The moment Luray volunteer firefighters hear their fire alarm go off, a team heads to the station to hit the road as quickly as they can to keep the town safe, and their dedication hasn't gone unnoticed.
Mt. Carmel Regular Baptist Church Pastor Mark Hopkins decided to host a movie and dessert reception Sunday night to thank Page County's first responders.
Hopkins said he wants them to feel appreciated for their work.
"We just want to say, hey, thanks for what you do," Hopkins said. "In fact, right at the beginning of the film, four of the firemen had to leave, go run a call, and come back. We're just so thankful for what they do."
Volunteer trainee Miles Snyder said he joined the ranks this year to be a part of a team and to help give back.
"I'd rather do something for somebody else than be paid to do it," Snyder said. "It just means so much more. People appreciate it more."
The fire department is typically on the road about two to three minutes after a call comes in; they oversee about 350 fires per year.
Snyder said he's thankful to be a part of the Luray Fire Department, and to be making a difference in the Valley along with his team.
"If it wouldn't be for the dedication of people who do that, there'd be a lot of homes and businesses lost. It's a dedication. I get more out of that than people realize," Snyder said.
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